McGauran is a senior architect and facilities management professional who has more than 25 years of architectural and project management experience.
Since 2014, she has been working in the Tennessee Department of General Services, most recently serving as the executive director of Business Operations, in the STREAM Division. Ms. McGauran has substantial experience as an architect in the private sector, including with Vanderbilt Medical Center, where she worked as a project manager and in other capacities.
The State Architect and staff serve as support for the functions of the State Building Commission and also provides oversight for all state capital projects and real estate transactions that are under authority of the State Building Commission, to assure compliance with State statutes and policies.
Speaker Beth Harwell made the motion to appoint McGauran for the position of State Architect, which was seconded by Larry Martin, Commissioner of Finance and Administration. Speaker Harwell said, “Ann has extensive knowledge of state government, and real estate and construction processes. I know she will do an excellent job for the people of Tennessee.”
The Office of the State Architect is administratively attached to the Tennessee Treasury Department. The State Building Commission was created by the Legislature to oversee construction of all State public buildings and capital maintenance. Members of the State Building Commission are: Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Speaker of the House Beth Harwell, Commissioner Larry Martin, Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Comptroller Justin Wilson, and State Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr. McGauran steps into the role previously held by Peter Heimbach, who transferred to the Department of General Services.
“Ann comes to the office with a wealth of professional architectural experience in public and private sector service,” said State Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr. “The State of Tennessee will benefit from her knowledge and her expertise with project management of large multi-facility institutions.”
“Ms. McGauran is impeccably qualified and came highly recommended. Her wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors will serve her well as State Architect. I am confident she will do an outstanding job,” said Lt. Governor McNally. “I would also like to thank Peter Heimbach for his excellent service as State Architect. I’m grateful that he will continue to serve our state and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
Ms. McGauran is a licensed architect who is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). She has a BA in architecture from Auburn University and a master's in healthcare management from the Vanderbilt University- Owen School of Management.